Katsunuma Wine District

The Katsunuma Wine District, Japan'S Oldest Wine Area, In Yamanashi East Of Kofu, Famous For The Koshu Grape And For A Cluster Of Small Wineries Within Walking Distance Of The Station, With Orchards Of Grapes And Peaches In The Hills. · Koshu, Yamanashi

Katsunuma is Japan's oldest wine district, a stretch of hillside orchards in Koshu, Yamanashi Prefecture, east of Kofu and about 90 minutes from Shinjuku by the Chuo Line limited express - confirm. Wine-making here is said to have started in the 1870s - confirm - and the area is the home of koshu, a native pink-skinned grape used for light, dry white wine. Dozens of small wineries, often said to number 30 to 40 - confirm - lie within a few kilometres of the station, and many offer free or low-cost tastings, usually for a small fee. A station-side hall sells wine from many makers and lets you taste before you buy. A hilltop tasting centre gives a view over the valley. It suits wine lovers, day-trippers from Tokyo and anyone who likes a slow orchard walk. The grape harvest runs from August to October, and peach blossom fills the valley in April - confirm. Never drive after tasting; use taxis, buses or bikes. Allow half a day, or a full one.

Katsunuma, Koshu, Yamanashi, around Katsunuma-budokyo Station on the Chuo Line, about 90 minutes from Shinjuku, Koshu, Yamanashi, Japan

Most wineries open for tastings from about 9:00 or 10:00 to 16:00 or 17:00, with some closing one weekday or on holidays - confirm each one. The station-side wine hall is open daily in the daytime, commonly with a late close in summer. Take the Chuo Line limited express from Shinjuku to Kofu or Enzan, or a local train to Katsunuma-budokyo Station, about 90 minutes in total - confirm. Some wineries need a booking for a cellar tour, especially at weekends and in harvest season. Taxis are available at the station, and bikes can be rented nearby - confirm.

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